Water Division Moratorium Lifted, New Assistance Available for Tornado Survivors

Mayor Cara Spencer and Director of Public Utilities Niraj Patel, P.E., in partnership with Julian Nicks, Chief Recovery Officer, announced new plans to help tornado survivors pay their water bills.

The Tornado Recovery Water Affordability Program will deliver direct relief on water bills to residents impacted by the May 16 tornado. To ease the burden on tornado survivors, they have been prequalified if they have already applied for assistance. Those households can enroll in under 5 minutes. For those with uninhabitable homes, their bills and penalties will be forgiven back to May 16, 2025. Others are encouraged to apply for assistance.

Across tornado-impacted neighborhoods, 4,164 accounts are currently delinquent on their water bills, representing roughly $4.34 million in outstanding water debt. Nearly 1,900 of those accounts owe $500 or less, while approximately 720 households owe more than $2,000. Some of these balances began during the COVID-19 pandemic. During that time, the Water Division issued a moratorium on delinquent water bills and stopped shut-off efforts for households that fell behind. Today the moratorium is being lifted, and the Water Division will begin addressing delinquent bills. At the same time, this program is being introduced to help households who may need additional support.

"The tornado added another significant financial burden for families already working to recover and regain stability," said Mayor Spencer. "Our goal with this program is simple: help residents achieve a lower balance, a manageable payment, and a lower water bill going forward."

The program was developed by the Water Division in collaboration with the STL Recovery Office and is made possible by Board Bill 25 (Ordinance 72155), sponsored by Alderman Browning and passed by the Board of Aldermen.

"Water is essential, and disconnection is always our last resort," Patel said. "What we are putting in place are the tools, including rate reductions and extended payment timelines, to help residents maintain water service. If you are behind on your bill, there is a plan here that fits your circumstances, but we need you to reach out so we can build it with you."

The program offers several pathways to relief, designed to work together so that no eligible resident falls through a gap.

Letters have gone out to impacted residents that explain what options are available to them through the program.

Tornado Recovery Water Affordability Program

• 50% Affordability Rate. Residents impacted by the May 16, 2025 tornado qualify for a 50 percent reduction in their water rate through December 2028, whether or not they have fallen behind on their bill.
• Repayment Plan with 50% Credit. For accounts carrying a past due balance, the Affordability Rate is applied retroactively to May 2025 as a lump sum credit that reduces the balance directly, paired with a repayment plan of up to 24 months. The Division can extend plans to 36 months case by case for larger balances.
• Full Credit for Uninhabitable Homes. Where a property has been uninhabitable since the tornado, charges accrued since May 2025 are forgiven outright and the account stops accruing fees.
  Fee waivers. Residents who enroll will not be charged interest or late fees, and turn off and reconnection fees are waived as a one-time courtesy.

Enrollment

Enrollment is open now and is the path to protecting water service. Photo ID needed for online and in-person applications. Enrollment options:

• Online at stlrecovers.com
• In person at the STLRecovers Outreach Center, 4401 Natural Bridge, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., where staff will qualify residents and complete enrollment in a single visit. Residents only need to bring a photo ID. Additional enrollment events will be hosted in the impacted neighborhoods.
• By phone on the Water Division Customer Service Line at (314) 771-2255

Other Available Relief Programs

• Temporary Assistance Program (TAP)
  Eligible residents may also receive a one-time payment of up to $500 toward an outstanding balance, delivered in partnership with United Way of Greater St. Louis through ARPA funding. This program closes September 30, 2026, or sooner if funds run out. That date cannot be extended.

Protecting Service

Residents have through October 31, 2026 to enroll in the Tornado Recovery Water Affordability Program. Beginning September 30, 2026 the Water Division will resume disconnection efforts. Enrolling is what protects a household's service.

"Recovery is a lot of small steps, taken one after another. A water bill cut in half is one of those steps, and we intend to keep taking them until this community is whole," said Julian Nicks, Chief Recovery Officer.

Relief for residents outside the tornado zone

Low-income residents who were not impacted by the tornado may qualify for additional assistance, including a 50% affordability rate. That program will begin in the Fall of 2026.

Residents who are enrolled in another utility assistance program, including Ameren, Spire, MSD, LIHEAP, or the Water Division's Temporary Assistance Program with United Way, may present that documentation to qualify.

Residents with questions about their water account or the assistance available to them are encouraged to call the Water Division Customer Service Line at (314) 771-2255.